3.) If you want to create pure (native) win32 applications that do not require the Cygwin DLL you may add the following:

- tab "Compiler" -> tab "Other options": add the compiler switch: -mno-cygwin
-> Please notice that some programs you are developing require specific
unix functionality / libs that is provided only through the Cygwin layer.
In that case this switch has to be removed.

Troubleshooting

For troubleshooting enable the "Full command line" Under menu "Settings" -> "Compiler" -> "Other" tab, "Compiler logging". If you see that still the gcc compiler is invoked, make sure you setup the right compiler in the build options for your project AND your target (e.g. "default").